You might have noticed a few changes on Mom2Mom in the couple of weeks.

When you post a comment or blog, for instance, you're told how many user points you've just earned. You earn five points for every blog, forum topic or photo that you post. You earn two points every time you comment on a blog, forum or photo.

And, over in the forums, you'll see two new forum topics. One is called Child Care. This is for people who are looking for in-home day care or nannies in the Triangle and for people who provide those services to post.

The other is Buy and Sell, for those who are looking to get rid of their old baby gear, maternity clothes and other items.

All these changes have been made in order for Mom2Mom to start up a new policy on the site effective immediately.

The problem: We've had some people share information about their business, but not actively participate in the site in any other way. I've had some complaints.

The solution: These new rules aim to limit who can post about their business and how often.

So what does this all mean?

You must be a real participant in TriangleMom2Mom if you want to post any ads about your business. You must have more non-business related posts than your ads. And you cannot start posting about your business in your blog or in the forums or photos until you have accumulated at least 250 user points on the site. You can find out how many user points you have by going to your profile page on the site.

These rules do not apply to child care ads. If you're looking for or providing in-home child care or nanny services, please post in our Child Care forum.

But if you are seeking to advertise any other business or item for sale, you must meet the 250 user point rule and your business posts must not outnumber your non-business related posts.

If you meet all those criteria, here's what you can do in our forums:

If you want to buy or sell a used item, go to our Buy and Sell forum and post there. You may make one "for sale" post per week.

For others with in-home businesses, please go to our Offers and Deals forum. You must say exactly what you do and what you offer. You may make two posts a month in this category.

What happens if a mom posts a question in the forums about scrapbooking and you have a scrapbooking business, for instance? You can post a comment in that discussion as long as your comment relates directly to that discussion.

What can you do on your blog?

The same rules essentially applies. In your blog, you are free to write about most anything you'd like. But you can't simply cut and paste promotional materials from your business on the site. What you can do, once you have reached 250 user points, is write about your business. If you sell make-up,you can write about make-up tips, for instance. If you sell scrapbooking materials, you can write about scrapbooking tips. These blog posts are limited to twice a month.

Any forums, posted photos or blog posts or comments that do not meet these guidelines will be moved or deleted.

But I really want to get the word out about my business? Is that really all I can do?

Starting with the creation of your profile page and your first post, you can link to your business' Web site as part of your signature. You can also advertise on TriangleMom2Mom. An ad on our coupon page costs $50 per month and The N&O advertising staff will design it for you at no cost. There are additional banner advertising opportunities available as well if you are looking for something more high profile. All of the advertising clicks through to your Web site if you have one. Contact Kara Bloomer for more information on TriangleMom2Mom.com advertising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. These new rules are a work in progress and can and will change as we move forward. Click here for my e-mail address.

Thanks so much for being a part of this growing community of Triangle moms.

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

TriangleMom2Mom site editor